The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1887-07-21
NAVAL VETERANS.
rroposed ReunIon al 81. Louis.

shipmates, ahoyi 1t Is now definitely set
tied that the next National Encampment, GA.
r., will be held On st. Louis at the time origi-
nally agreed upon. IL is suggested that at the
same time and place there be held also Re-
union of naval veterans. Now, shipmates, here
Ia chance; what say your The central loca-
tion Of ST. Louis; the cordial reception that GER
tainly awaits us; the extremely liberal rates
of transportation promised, all seem 10 combine
TO make the time and place peculiarly appro-
pirate.
The thousands Of veterans who will assemble
there will be glad 20 see us; for how often in
our naval lie the presence of a gunboat
saved their bacon and helped them TO capture
places which they could not have captured
without our assistance. The General Commit
tee of Arrangements has promised recognition,
and under the Union Jack we can participate
in the grand parade, which is generally the
leading event at these annual gatherings.
There were l2l ,954 enlistmeuts in the navy
during the late war. Surely there are enough
Of us yet left TO make the proposed Reunion q
success in every way. Let us try il anyhow,
and meet annually hereafter in connection
with each National Eucampment il agreeable
90 ali interested, as nearly all Of us belong 10
the Order, aud are interested in its success.
Now, let us hear from you. Don't speak quite
so loud as you did at Port Royal under DUPONT,
or at New Orleans under Farragat. True. we
I are lol Qulle so HUMOROUS noW as we were AISuB
but don be DISCOURAGED about such trihes.
The flag under which we fought. and beneath
whose folds so many Of our shipmates fell,
waves in triumph from Maine 90 the Rio
Grande-not a star missing from its field OF
azure blue, and that is something 10 be thank
ful for. We have passed the meridian of life,
and are nearing the Western horizon, soon 10
appear i'm the presence of the Great Commander,
but we leave behind us a country united; a
/ Mt Nfs,s..
mented by the blood of our fallen comrades and
the tears of their widows and orphans-a last
ing monument Of the patriotism, courage and
bravery of the men who on this occasion will
assemble TO renew friendships formed amid
scenes of trial and danger. What if il does re-
quire little sacrifice on your part? is not
the record we made worthy of being commemo-
ratedY Why, our gallant navy fairly covered
itself with imperishable renOwn al Forts Hat
teras and Clark in North Carolina, Forts
Walker and Beauregard in South Carolina,
Forts Henry aud Hindman on the Tennessee,
Forts jackson and st. Philip in Louisiana,
Forts Morgan and Gaines in Alabama, Fort
Fisher under Porter, Fort Wagner under
Dahlgren, in Hampton Roads under Worden,
and on the ocean under Minslow-everywher
demonstrating the superiority Of the American
sailor. Are these events worthy OF being COM
memorated2 In THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE we
have a friend through whose columns we hope
10 reach a large number of naval veterans
! Those can give the matter as much publicity as
is possible. Write TO the undersigned, state
address and il you will go; also, give us some
suggestions as 20 n design for an appropriate
badge for the occasion. Arrangements for such
Reunion will be made, and full particulars
will be sent to all naval veterans who forward
name aud address
Where are the survivors of the Western
fotilla, the famous fighting squadron Of the
war; No doubt there are a sufficient number
Of them still living 10 form an association; il
so, st. Louis would be good place 10 organize
and during the Encamrm mt a good time
Now, let us hear from you - fore and aft" AL
hands up anchor for cruise 10 st. Louis.
find i must Delay" for the lookout on the
msin-top crosstrees reports black smoke" two
points on the 81 arloard bow, so j must slip my
cable aud give lase. Call the crew Of the for
ward pivot. "Cast loose -" load with solid
shot" Now, /" foar bells!" The gunner will
serve out some "s.lt horse and duff" while
| Jack-of-the-Dust will open the magazine
The Master-a Arms win square the accounts
while the Purser will take charge OF the crew
of the brig" The ships Cook must lookout
for breakers. The black smoke" reported
proves 20 be a long, low, rakisl looking craft
That settles her hash," and the prize crew
are ordered TO take her TO st. Louis.-WM
SIMMONS, (care of, Naval Post, No. 400,) Phila
| delphia, Pa.